The Hawk Happenings: Pennoyer Staff Newsletter

Hawk Thoughts & Happenings

Team Pennoyer,

I don't know about you, but this seemed like an incredibly long week at Pennoyer. I know how hard everyone is working to get structures into place with our students to get the most out of each and every day. September is always that opportunity to build those relationships and connections, while often having to go back to highlight expectations and review procedures with students as needed at all ages. Reach out if you need support with anything, but just know that the process with many of our students is not an easy road but one that I know you all have the capacity to see through to success.

I'm excited to be playing a gig this Saturday at the Deerfield Farmers' Market with my daughter Sadie sitting in with me to sing a bunch of tunes. She's a little nervous, but I told her any tips we get will all go to her for sure! Hopefully we sing on key together.

Have a great weekend, and if you want to enjoy Sunday, I suggest NOT watching the Bears game. Yeah, I'm already in a bad place with our Chicago Bears, but I'll stand by them with a glimmer of hope. That's what it means to be a Chicago Bears football fan I guess.

HERE is the agenda for our staff meeting on Monday, September 18th. We'll have our first day with West 40 to focus on student engagement!

Hawk Action Items

3rd-8th grade homeroom, please complete the Principal’s Crew Survey by TODAY, September 15th. Then I'll reach out to students' families that are chosen and our first meetings will be Thursday, September 21st next week during lunch/recess times.

New Friday Car Line Opportunity During Arrival Time - Want to be a "Guest DJ" and greeter during morning car line? Reach out to Adam if you're interested! You can have your own playlist if you'd like and be a part of a fun part of the day connecting with our families and students on Fridays during arrival time. This is from 7:50am-8:10am if you're interested. HERE is a sign up sheet to make things easier, but reach out to Adam with any questions.

Hand 2 Mi nd event opportunity for K-5th grade staff. Check this flyer out and let Adam know if you're interested.

Creating new Clubs at Pennoyer and Submitting Club Information for Website (Existing or New Clubs)

If you’re interested in starting up a new club, please submit your ideas HERE! You can check out the CBA if needed for more information. For new clubs, we’ve created a helpful link on our website to showcase the wonderful opportunities for our students at Pennoyer. Please make sure once your club is approved that you create a one page Google Doc or Slide to share with Adam and Pat. Also, if you’re continuing a club from last year, please make sure the information is updated if needed...thanks!
Here’s an EXAMPLE for your reference.

Stipend Opening for Varsity Boys Volleyball in the spring...Connect w/ Adam if interested.

Weekly Hawk Playlist/Lyric

"There must be some misunderstanding. There must be some kind of mistake. I waited in the rain for hours, and you were late."

Misunderstanding by Genesis

Hawk Celebrations

There couldn't be a bigger celebration to highlight this week than Circus Amongus! What an incredible way to celebrate our students, staff, and community with the incredible event we had this past Thursday. We wanted to do something special after the referendums passed last year, and this experience definitely lived up to the hype. Our students at all levels learned new skills, collaborated together, took on leadership roles, and had so much fun exploring opportunities most of them have never experienced before. It was amazing to see! The morning was filled with sessions that ranged from the trapeze to the tightrope and everything in between. After the lunch/recess break, our students put on their wardrobes, painted their faces, and put on the Pennoyer "big top" show of the year as they highlighted their favorite skills and activities they participated in during the day. It was an epic way to end the day! A huge thanks and shout out to all of the staff and volunteer parents/guardians, and community members who really made this all possible, along with Mr. Sam and his team from Circus Amongus. What a great Pennoyer Pride memory for everyone!